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The way they have played lately, the Leafs can't be picky, but after a week-long trek to the West Coast, there's a chance the Bruins may take a period or so to find their legs. If the Leafs can help force the issue, they will have a better chance in a building that has traditionally given them headaches.

Boys Are Back

Like the Leafs, the Bruins have had their fill of injuries this season, but Shawn Thornton (suspension) and Loui Eriksson (injury) each returned to the lineup on Saturday in San Jose. Eriksson and Reilly Smith have been solid acquisitions in the deal for Tyler Seguin and the Bruins will appreciate the added scoring power and muscle.

Ah, Shoot

Where would the Leafs be without the shootout? Well, without the eight points they have earned in the breakaway competition, much further down the standings. The win over the New Jersey Devils on Sunday tied the Leafs with the Washington Capitals for the most shootout wins in the league.

Everybody Loves Raymond

Leafs forward Mason Raymond got off to a strong start and with 12 goals is having a decent first season in blue and white. But Raymond has just one goal in his past 11 games as the Leafs offence continues to falter.

Shipping up to Boston

Despite protestations to the contrary, the Leafs may not have recovered as admirably from the Game 7 collapse as first seemed. Their play over the past couple of months has raised many issues and another rough outing could leave them vulnerable to their Original Six and division rival.

THE BIG MATCHUP

Phil Kessel vs. Zdeno Chara

In the playoffs last spring, Kessel had some success escaping the towering defenceman. In the regular-season, that hasn't been the case. Kessel had some big moments in Boston during that seven-game series but now it's the time to build on that.